“We have failed to grasp the fact that mankind is becoming a single unit, and that for a unit to fight against itself is suicide.” - Havelock Ellis
Today is Anzac Day, which is observed in Australia and New Zealand as a day of commemoration for those who died in the service of their country, and is a day for honouring returned servicemen and women, whichever battle or war they served in The 25th day of April is the anniversary of the landing of the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZACs) at Gallipoli in 1915. On the first anniversary of that landing services were held throughout both countries in remembrance of the thousands of Australian and New Zealand soldiers who died during the eight-month Gallipoli Campaign.
Since 1916 Anzac Day has evolved to the observance we commemorate today. The day of observance begins before dawn with a march by returned and service personnel to the local war memorial, where they are joined by other members of the community for the Dawn Service. This is a solemn and grave ceremony which brings to mind the lives lost and the terrible futility of warfare, whether it happened in Gallipoli, in the Middle East, in America, in Vietnam, in Afghanistan, the Gulf or in Korea…
This is part of the Mosaic Monday meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Ruby Tuesday meme,
and also part of the Seasons meme.
Caught a little of the parade in town (hoping that's all I caught) and went to the pub for some 2 up (lost but husband won so evens out). Was fun. The Gurkas brigade marching looked so young - as in too young for WW!! (didn't know if they were in the war in Vietnam?) Am quite curious to know. It's a sad time - as a mother it just depresses me, to be honest. My grandfather was WW1. He refused to talk about it, so I wonder if he would have marched in a parade? His diaries were awful.
ReplyDeleteNot meaning to sound critical of the parade, it just occurred to me yesterday watching it. Anyway thanks for joining in at #Allseasons. Back to normal on Friday.
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